Ezra Hickman, of Kankakee, is a political aspirant. At a reception in Washington with his wife and daughter Amy he meets the Ambassador of Selim Bey, the ruler of a small European kingdom, Vergania. The Ambassador, seeking an American girl for his ruler, paints a glowing picture of Vergania to Hickman's wife, with the result that she persuades her husband to accept the American Consulate at. Vergania. Amy, the daughter, is enamored of Lieutenant Brice of the U.S. Navy, and reluctantly she agrees to leave him and go with her family.

Young broker Donald Baxter is ruined financially and resolves to "come back" and start life afresh. He does so, returning incognito at the end of 5 years. He purchases his old home, but gives out the impression that it is his valet, Mr. Hawkins, who is the successful "Klondyke Millionaire." His one-time fiancée and her purse-proud mother at once endeavor to cultivate Hawkins, whom Baxter prevails upon to enter society, much to his discomfiture. Meanwhile, Baxter, passing as a still-poor man, meets and falls in love with pretty Mabelle Arnold, the Porters' ward. Eventually, the true identities of Hawkins and Baxter are disclosed, causing haughty Mrs. Porter and her daughter Helen much chagrin and pretty Mabelle much pleasure, as she and Baxter plan to share sorrows and joys.